Germany’s loss, however, has to be attributed as much to a bad decision by Spanish referee, Alberto Undiano as it was Serbia’s soccer. Germany was forced to play two-thirds of the match with only 10 players after Mr. Undiano ejected Germany’s top goal-scoring threat, Miroslav Klose, in the 36th minute for a slight foul.

These decisions are always subjective, but that was a bad call. Few outside Belgrade would disagree.

And it cost Germany almost immediately. Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic scored shortly after the debilitating red card on Klose with a high volley at point blank range.